A WEAVERHAM chef whose mastery has taken him around the world has taken the helm from Jamie Oliver as he attempts to teach hopefuls to be kitchen connoisseurs.

Christopher Naylor, 35, who trained at Mid-Cheshire College and the Dorset Institute, has now settled as head chef at the renowned Restaurant Vermeer in Amsterdam and is teaching his culinary skills to 15 youngsters.

The Dutch project was inspired by Jamie Oliver's Fifteen show - where young unemployed people were taught to cook in a restaurant environment while their highs and lows were captured by television cameras - and Christopher is thriving on passing his knowledge on.

Dad Bob, of Warrington Road, Cuddington, said: "He has 15 people aged between 16 and 24 at the Vermeer and he's showing them various aspects of food preparation, cooking skills and presentation.

"We are very proud of this latest success and the way he has embraced the Dutch way of life.

"Even now he credits Wai Tam, the owner of the Pagoda Restaurant in Weaverham, as his cooking influence following a stint working there while studying at Hartford college."